Pre-Season Update with Barbara Farris

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New York's Barbara Farris

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Another pre-season match-up is on the horizon and the Liberty are gearing up to host the Houston Comets on Saturday. Forward Barbara Farris sits down with NYLiberty.com today, as she enters her eighth season in the WNBA and second in a Liberty uniform. In 2006, she averaged 7.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Barbara also started in all but one of the Liberty’s 34 games last season.

Did you have an easy transition coming from the off-season into Camp?

I definitely did conditioning-wise. Playing overseas helped me with that. I was a little under weather when I got into Camp, so that hindered things a little. But for the most part, I felt prepared after being here last year. It all felt familiar.

Do you have a favorite part of the WNBA season?

I think I like the middle of the season – a little before All-Star break and a little of it afterwards. In the beginning of the season it’s tough because not all of the teams have the all of their players. So it takes some time for everyone to get used to each other on the court.

Has this Liberty team reached that point of comfort yet?

I believe we’re familiar with each other now. Everyone’s back in Camp, which I hope will help us avoid too many of those problems of gelling and getting familiar with each other early on in the season. We just have to take care of the ball and get the offense running and we’ll be okay.

Now that you’re back in New York, how are you spending your time off the court?

I haven’t been feeling well, so anytime we have an afternoon off, I spend it sleeping. I have been enjoying the new TV channels – we have digital cable now. I am loving this area. Anytime there’s a day off, I will go into the city and have dinner with my friends. This is my 8th year in the league and my 2nd in New York, and I have never had so many people visit me, it’s great. There’s too much to do, to not do it here.

As one of the seasoned players on the team, have you had a chance to talk to the rookies to offer them any advice?

Yes, I’ve gone out to eat with them, pulled them aside during practice – just trying to get them familiar with everything so they know what to expect. They’re so used to college life. I’m helping to teach them the in’s and out’s of being a professional, and most of all that we’re going to have fun.

With the season approaching, what kind of goals have you set for playing in 2007?

I want to help us make the Playoffs. That’s the glory that everyone in this league is working for. I want to use my experience of winning a Championship to help this team progress.

Be there to watch Barbara and the Liberty play its first home game in 2007 on Saturday, May 12 at 2PM. Season ticket plans are available by calling (212) 465-6073 and individual game tickets can be purchased at www.nyliberty.com, the Garden Box Office or by calling 877-WNBA-TIX.